Apparatus for mixing concrete.



PATENTED APR. 14, 1908.

J. F. D. WITHROW. APPARATUS FOR MIXING CONCRETE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 3.1905.

2 SHEETSSHEET 1.

PATBNT'ED APR. 14, 1908.

J. F. D. WITHROW. APPARATUS FOR MIXING CONCRETE.

APPLIGATION FILED AUG.3.1905.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

and the objects of my i said first set of traps dump, said sccond'set ofwhich are coupled together,

Tralt ltt s or t APPARATUS FOR MIXING CONCRETE.

Application filed. August 3, 1905.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 14, 1908.

Serial No. 272,492.

in the county of Carlton, in the Province vot' Ontario, Canada, civilengineer, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apiaratustor Mixing Composite Material, of which the "following is aspecification.

My invention relates to improvements in apparatus for mixing compositematerial, invention are: firstly, to mix composite materials, such asconcrete, in batches by gravity; secondly, to first mix the ingredientscomposing the comosite materials in a dry state and then turther mixthem in a wet state; thirdly, to )revent as much as possible theingredients lorming the composite material from lodging and interferingwith the operation of the apparatus, and fourthly, to provide a cheapand cheaply operated yet etlicienl apparatus for the purpose beforespecified, and the apparatus consists broadly of a receptacle; atdillerent heights in which are held traps, and means whereby when thefirst trap opens the second trap is locked, and when the lirst trapcloses, said second trap is unlocked, and means for automaticallyintroducing water into the mass of material as same is being mixed.

My preferred form of invention'consisls ot a receptacle, at ditlerentheightsin which are grouped a set of traps the alternate leaves of andmeans connecting the uppermost set of traps with the next set below (thealternate leaves of which are also coupled together), whereby when trapsare locked, and when said first set of traps return to normal, saidsecond set 0 traps are unlocked, and means for automat icallyintroducing water into the mass and turning same oil. The line ofopening of the diiterent sctsot traps varies, that is to say, the secondset of traps, for instance, will have a line o'l opening at right-angles(or at any other suitable angle) to the line of opening of the setoltraps immediately above and immediately below, thus causing the massof composite material to be divided in difi'erent directions whendumping therefrom. The placing of the set. of traps as before describedof course provides a number of chambers within the receptacle, and inorder to more thoroughly agitate the mass when passing t-hrough' thesedilierent chambers, 1 place therein different devices that will performthis "function.

Figure 1 is a general perspective view of my apparatus tor mixingcomposite material. 2 is vertical central section on the line al),Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a .diagram matic view hereinafter referred to. Fig. 4is a detail hereinafter rcierred to, and Fig. 5 is a side elevation on areduced scale (certain parts being omitted) oi analternative form of myreceptacle, showing same made of a plu- 1 alit-y oi superimposedsections. 7

" 1n the drawings like characters of refer l encc indicate correspondingparts in each figure.

The best way to mix such as concrete, is by gravity. By utilizing thislaw of nature I am enabled to provide an apparatus automatic in itsoperation, and one in which the composite material is alternately gent-ly and violently mixed in batches. Composite material mixed 3 merely bystirring is not as good at that which i, has been violently mixed oragitated.

In using my apparatus the ingredients may be shovcled into the hopper inany i order. Also in some of the apparatus now i on the market, theingredients composing l the composite material fall too far and have 1sutlicient time to become more or less separated, causing a mixture inwhich sand may predominate in one place; stone and gravel compositematerials,

in anothe place, and a great part of the cement in still another place,thus producing a mixture that is not uniformly of the same strength. Bydividing the mass of material in different directions and violentlyagitating it on its way through the different chambers, I produce aproduct having uniform strength throughout. By first dry-mixing theingredients by gravity 1 intimately commingle same before water isintroduced into the mass, thus in the further mixing still furthercommingling the difierent elements at the same time I uniformlydistribute the water through the mass.

Although I show and describe a set of tra s grouped and working togetherat difierent heights, it is within the scope of my invention to haveonly one trap at these l different heights and connected to ether afterthe manner of my invention. at prefer to usethe setoftraps at thedifferent lll heights, because I am cnahled to divide the mass indifferent places.

My preferred form of invention consists of any suitable receptacle Aprovided prel'erably with an hopper-shaped mouth B in Which may be heldany suitable means for screening the materials passed thcretlu'migh in,order to prevent the passage into said receptacle of large stones orgravel that might interfere With the working oi the apparatus.

he means shown for this purpose consist of a plurality of parallel bars0 secured at their ends in two opposed sides of said hoppershaped mouth.The different sets of traps grouped together are constructed the sameand controlled in their operation by means or mechanism of the sameconstruction, so in order to give a clear idea of the operation andconstruction of my apparatus without unnecessary recapitulation, I willseparately group the different sets of traps under a distinctivecharacter pf reference, and make the same character of reference for thelevers and Weights common throughout the apparatus.

According to the construction shown, there are four groups or sets oftraps l), E, F and G. The traps consist ol leaves a, b, c and (Z mountedwalls of the receptacle A in any suitable manner. Accordim to theconstruction shown, 1' provide spindles g and It for same respectively,each havinglwaring, in the same receptacle A. By means of the lovers iand y' secured to or forming part of their spindles and the link-rod Ircoimectin z the upper end of said levers, the leaves a, and c arecoupled together, and by means of the lovers Z and m secured to orforming part of their spindles and the link-rod n cohnecting the upperend of said lovers, the leaves b and d are coupled together. The set oftraps l) are normally locked as shown in Fig. 1, so that the requisiteamount of material may he dumped thereupon. As soon as sufficient in twoopposed material has been dumped upon these set of. traps, same areunlocked by any suitable means. The locking and unlocking-nieans for theother sets of traps are similar to that I will now describe.

According to the construction shown I pivot on the spindle [l in thesides of the reccplacle A adjacent the levers controllingthe operationol the dill'crcnt sets o'l' traps, an arm I. provided with anouter-weighted end J. l'iivotcd to the arm .i and on the spindlc ll is alocking-a rm liv in the outer end ol' which I prcl'm'ahl mount a rollerLwhich abuts a 'ainst a stop M secured to or forming partpi thc'link-rod0 which connects the overs p and q secured to or forming partrcspcctivcly ol' the spindles l1 and c. r is a slut springg secured tothe arm lo and having its two end resting against the locking-arm soasto give positive movement to same) By means 0! a cord or rod 5 securedto the a plurality of season arm i this arm is thrown around in thedirection indicated by arrow, thus disengaging the locking-arm K fromthe stop M permitting the link-rod o and all its connected parts toassume the position of the levers and linkrods shown in connection withthe set of traps E, thus opening the leaves a, I), c and d andpermitting the material to drop down through the dry-mixing chamhcr Nwhere they come in contact with diil'erent devices hereinafter descrihedfor intimatelycommingling them.

I have shown the si-el. of traps E and their controlling mechanism intheir dumping po-- traps and their connected parts is the shown positionoi the traps and connected parts in any ol the sets of traps D, F and G.Immediately the set of traps D begin to dump, the lever if secured to or'l'orming part of the spindle c of said sets ol traps moves in thedirection indicated by arrow, thus moving the arm I of the. set oltrapsit (to which arm it is connected by the link-rod u provided with a pin 2operating in a slot 25 in said arm) around its spindle, moving itsroller (see Fig. 4) down in contact with its stop thus eiiec tuall flocking the set of tra is 15. From this it will be umlerstood that theset of levers in commotion with the set of traps E are normallyimloclced. immediately ali the material has fallen upon. the set oftraps E, the counter-halancing weights 4, 5, 6 and 7 secured.respcctivel on the outside of the opposite end of the spindles e, g] andh return the set of traps D and their associated levers and link-rodback to normal position in which position they are locked. The returningto normal position of the set of traps D and their connected parts movesthe link-rod uv downward in the direction indicated by at"- row withtail, thus bringing the arm I of the of traps l) in contact with itslocking-arm li and moving its roller L out of contact with the stop M,thus unlocking the link-rod o and levers p and q of the set of traps Eand the levers m, l, and and their respective linkrods a and. it, of theset of traps E permitting the coupled leaves (1 e, I) and d of the setof traps E, to assume the position shown in full lines in Fig. 2, thuspermitting the material to drop from the leaves in the set of traps lfidown onto the set of traps F. This move meut oi the parts connected withthe set of traps i) ol course moves the lever t and linkrod u ol saidset of traps upward, and as said link-rod u 0i said sci. of traps l) isconnected to the arm l of the set of tra )s F by the pin 8 operating inthe slot 9 in sair arm, said arm is moved around in the directionindicated by arrow without tail, thus bringing its lockingarm It. andits roller L in contact with the stop M. ",l' the linlerod o oi the setof traps F i locking the set of traps and their connected levers inplace before the material falls upon sition. The normal position ofthese set of see see said set of traps. By means of the counterweights4, 5, 6 and 7 of the set of traps E the said set of traps and theirconnected parts are returned to normal position. The returning to normalpesitionot the set of traps E and their connected parts, moves the levert and linlerod u of said set of traps E downward, thus throwing the arm1 of the set of traps F around in the direction indicated by arrow withtail, thus unlocking the levers and, link-rods controlling said setoftraps F and permitting them to dump the material down onto the set oftraps G. immediately the set of traps F have dumped, th'eir counter-Weights return them to normal position. In order to dump the materialfrom the set of traps G the arm I of said set of traps is operated bythe rod or core 1U so as to unlock the levers and link-rods of said setof traps G and permit the materials, new thoroughly mixed, to drop fromthe receptacle A.

As the materials drop through the drymixing chamber N, (which is thatpart of the receptacle between the set of traps D and the set of trapsE), they are intimately commingled in dry state. l Vhen the of traps Ebegin to open, I provide means whereby water is introduced upon and intothe body of material controlled by said set of traps E. As the link-rod'lt of the set of traps E moves into the position shown in Fig. i, itmoves the lever 11 around its stud 12 (whereby it is pivoted to the saidreceptacle) thus moving the arm 13 (controlling any suitable valve 14,controlling the passage of Water through the Water-main '15) so as toturn on a supply of water which. passes through the branch-pipes 16 intothe body of the mass, another stream of water passing; through thebranch-pipe 17 and out of the branch-pipes 18 and falling upon the topof the mass. The material is now wet and it passes through the firstwetunixing chamber O which is between the set of traps E and the set oftraps F. After the set of traps F have dumped, the mass of materialpasses through a second wet-mixing chamber P which is between the set oftraps F and the set of traps G.

It will be understood that as the link-rod u and lever 25 of the set oftraps E are returning to normal, the supply of water is cut off throughthe means before described.

In each of the chambers N, O and P are pla'ceddevices against which thematerial falls or strikes or through which it passes in order to insurethe positive 'commingli-ngzof the ingredients. T hcse devices may be ofany suitable construction. 19 are plates suitably secured to the innerwalls of'the receptacle, and are curved in different directions so. asto cause the materials to be deflected in their path and mixed. 20 areperforated plates extending across the receptacle, which further causethe mixture of the different ingredients. 21 are suitable vanes looselymounted on rods 22 held in the sides of the receptacle. The materialfalling upon these vanes causes them to rotate, thus batting thematerial. As these vanes are loosely mounted they will revolve indifferent directions, thus causing a churning movement to morethoroughly commingle the ingredients. By means of the pin 23 operatingin the slot 2%, the rod u ol' the set of traps E controls the movementof the lever 11.

25 are rest-rods against which the leaves of the different sets of trapsrest when open to the limit.

26 are guarrhplates secured to or forming part of the receptacle A andextending over the water-pipes 16 so as to prevent same from becomingchoked by the material.

In order to prevent the materials from lodging at the sides of theleaves of the traps, i provide suitable guard-plate: 28. Theseguard-plates also act as deflectors for the materials and as they mustbe situated a certain distance above the leaves of the sets of traps inorder to permit. movement of same, 1 must provide same with pieces ofsuitable material 29 such as rubber or canvas;

this material is flexible and rests upon the said leaves. In order toprevent the materials from lodging at the ends of the leaves of the setsof traps, 1 provide suitable material 30 such as canvas or rubber whichrests upon said traps: as this material is flexible, it will of coursebe understood that it does not interfere with the movement of the leavesof the traps.

As before mentioned, l place the dilferent sets of traps so that in itspassage through the apparatus, the body of the mass will be divided indifferent directions. Referring to Fig. 3, 3'2 represents a diagrammaticview of the m of material resting upon the set of traps D and the dottedlines 33 indicate the lines of division of the mass when falling fromthese of traps 34 represents a diagrammatic view of the mass of materialresting upon the set of traps E and the dotted lines 35 indicate thelines of division of the mass when. falling from these sets of traps.From this description the manner in which the mass of material isdivided in passing from the other traps, will be clearly understood.Altl'iough l show the lines of division for the of traps l] as being atright-angles to the lines of divisionfor the set of traps D, it will ofcourse be understood that I do not confine myself to any particularlines of division for the respective sets of traps. But I find 1 get thebest possible results in dividing the massof material in directions asmuch opposed to each other as possible. By dividing the mass ot'material in accordance with my invention and commingling the ingredientsby anysuitable means as it passes through the different chambers, itwill be clearly understood that I get a thor- Ill - and the set of trapsl, are normally unlocked ough mixture and am enabled to producecomposite material having uniform strength throughout.

It will be understood that the leaves of my traps opento a certainangle: They of course may be constructed so that their range of movementwill be such as to throw them parallel with 'the walls 01 thereceptacle, but when the leaves are so opened, the mass of materialmerely drops down between. same. By opening these leaves a certaindistance I it will be noticed upon referring to Fig. 2 that the leaves aand Z) form between them a hopper, the discharge-opening of which isnarrower than the top, and that the leaves 0 and 01 form another hopper,the discharge-opening o1 which is also narrower thanthe top. By openingthe leaves in all the sets oi traps a certain angle, it willbeunderstood that I provide a series of hoppers so that as the dividedmass passes through its respective hopper, the materials are thrownclose together during their exit therefrom, thus causing them to furthercommingle. This movement given the materials as they pass from thehoppers formed by the leaves is gentler than that givento them as theypass around and through the mixing-devices contained in the cha'n'iberthey drop into. From the before-going description it will be understoodthat I combine violent mixing of the materials with gentler mixing ofsame.

In order to permit of the inspection of the diiierei'it chambers, Iprovide openings 36 in the sides of the receptacle which are closed bydoors or covers 377 According to the construction shown, I show theseclosingmembers as being doors and they are secured by their hinges 38 tothe receptacle A and locked in position by any suitable catch-amb latch39.

If desired, the receptacle A may be made up of a series of superimposedsections 40, as shown in Fig. 5. .ln order that the sections may lit oneupon another, suitable minus I may be provided for this purpose.According to the construction shown, I provide flanges 41 secured to orforming part of either of the body-sections and. by means of which theyare held in alinemcnt. Although 1 show the lower opening ol" thereceptacle A l as converging, this of course is immaterial.

As bcl'ore mentioned, the levers and linkrods in connection with the setof traps ll referring to the detail view in Fig. l will be seen thenormal position of the parts beloro described immmliately in theneighborhood of the locking and iinloclring-arni l. The roller 11 ofthis arm normally rests above the stop M so that it has merely to bemoved downward in order to abut said stop and lock the diilerent levers.The arm I is constructed with a bed-way Q which receives the locking armK.

From the description and drawings of my apparatus, it will be understoodthat two leaves of each set of traps are coupledtogether, and havepreferably simultaneous movement with the other coupled memberscooperating therewith. By constructing certain leaves, for instance theleaves a and wider than the leaves cooperating therewith, I provide thehoppers formed by theleaves a and b, and c and cl with a longer lip overwhich the material is compelled to pass or llow, thus causing an actionat this point that will insure to the thorough commingling of theingredients.

Vi hat I claim as my invention is:

"I. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a rigid non-movingsupporting structure, a first trap therein; a second trap thercbelow,said traps beings fixed distance apart; a non-niovin receptacle aboveeach trap; means normally holding said traps closed; means controlled bythe opening of said first trap adapted to look said second trap in itsnormal closed position.

comprising a rigid non-moving supporting structure; a first traptherein; a second trap therebelow, said traps being a fixed distanceapart; a non-moving receptacle above each trap; means normally holdingsaid traps closed; means controlled by the opening of said first trapadapted to lock said second rep in its normal closed position, and meanscontrolled by said second trap whereby water is introduced into thematerial undergoing mixing.

An apparatus of the class described, conu'irisingr a suitablereceptacle; a first trap therein adapted to control passage of materialthercthrough; a second. trap therein and below d lirsttrap also adaptedto control passage of material therethrough; means adapted to lock saidsecond. trap in its closed position and to unlock same when. said firsttrap opens and closes; means counterbalancin said traps adapted toreturn same to normnl position after dumping; means, controlled by saidsecond trap, adapted to introduce a fluid into said receptacle.

l. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a rigid non-movingsupporting structure; a first trap therein; a second. trap. therclmlow;said traps being a lixed distance apart and opening crosswise one to theother; a non-moving receptacle above each trap; moans normally holdingsaid traps closed; means contrijillml. by the opening of said first trapadapted to lock said second trap in its normal closed position, andmeans controlled by said second trap whereby water is introducod intothe material uinlergoing mixing.

5. An apparatus of the class described, com prising in. combinatitmv asuitable recep taclc; a first trap; a second trap below said first trapand opening crosswise thereto;

An apparatus of the class described,'

- adapted to control passage to return same to normal position beingcontrolled by the operation of said assess means adapted to lock andunlock said second trap in its closed position, said means first trap;means adapted to supply fluid to said receptacle, said fluid supplybeing started and cut off by said. second trap.

6. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a suitablereceptacle; a first trap therein adapted to control passage of materialtherethrough; a second trap below said first trap and opening crosswisethereto and of material therethrough; means adapted to lock said secondtrap in its closed position and to unlock same when said first trapopens and. closes;

means countcrbalancing said traps adapted after dumping; means,controlled by said second trap, adapted to introduce a fluid into saidreceptacle.

' 7. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a suitablereceptacle; a first trap therein adapted to control passage of materialtherethrough; a second trap therein also adapted to control passage ofmaterial through said receptacle and bclow'said first trap and having anangle of opening different to the angle of opening of said first trap;means connecting said traps adapted when said first trap o mm, to locksaid second trap in its closed position, and when said first trapreturns to normal position, to unlock said second trap, and means heldin said receptacle between said traps adapted to mix andrbaffie thematerial.

8. An apparatus of the class'described, comprising a suitablereceptacle; :1 first set of traps comprising a plurality of leaves swungtherein and controlling passage of material therethrough; means Forcoupling; said leaves together in pairs; means connected with thecoupling-means for said leaves whereby same are locked in position atcertain eriods; a second set of traps below said irst set of traps,comprising a plurality of leaves swung in said receptacle andcontrolling passage of material therethrough; means for coupling saidleaves together in pairs; means connected with the coupling-means forsaid leaves whereby locked in position at certain periods, and meanswhereby when said first set of traps are unlocked, the kicking-humus forsaid second set of traps are operated to lock same, and when said firstset oftraps rcturn to normal position the locking-means forsaid secondset of traps is operated to unlock same.

9. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a suitablereceptacle; a first set of traps comprising a plurality of leaves swungtherein and controlling passage oi? material therethroup h; means forcoupling said leav s together in pairs; means connected with thermipling-moans for said pairs whereby same til leaves whereby same arelocked in position at certain periods; a s-cond set of traps below saidfirst set of traps, comprising a plurality of leaves swungransaidreceptacle and controlling passage of material therethrough; means forcoupling said leap es together in pairs; means connected with thecoupling-means for said leaves wherebysame are locked in positionatvcert ain periods; means whereby when said first set of traps areunlocked, the locking-means for said second set of traps are operated tolock same,

and when said first set of traps return .to

normal position the locking-means for said second set ol traps isO)61'iii)(l to unlock same, and means control d by said second set o'ltraps whereby when same open, water is introduced into the receptacleand when said second set of traps close, the supply of water is cut ofi.

10, An apparatus ol' the class described, comprising a suitablereceptacle; a first set of traps comprising a plurality of leaves swungtherein and controlling passage of material theretlnough; means forcoupling said leaves together in pairs; means connected with thecoupling-means for said leaves whereby same are locked in position atcertain periods; second set of traps below said first set of trapscomprising a plu' rality of leaves swung in said receptacle andcontrolling passage of material therethrough; means for coupling saidleawes together in pairs; means eonnectedwith the couplingmeans for saidleaves whereby same are locked in position at certain periods; meanswhereby wl'ien said first set of traps are un' locked, the locking-meansfor said second set of traps are operated to lock same, and when saidfirst set of traps return to normal position the locking-means for saidsecond set of traps are operated to unlock same; n'ieans controlled bysaid second set of traps wherebyv when same open, water is introducedinto'the IHCRP'tZtClQ, and when said second set of traps close, thesupply of water is cut oil, and counter-balancing means whereby theleaves ol said sets of trapsare returned to normal position afterdumping.

11. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a suitablerinicptaclc; a first set oi. traps comprising a plurality of leavesswung therein and controlling passage of material 'tberetln'ough; meansfor coupling said leaves together in pairs; means connected with. thecoupling-means for said leaves whereby same are locked in position atcertain periods; a second set of traps below said first set of trapscomprising a plurality of leaves swung in said receptacle andcontrolling passage of material therethrougl'i; means foccoupling saidleaves together in are locked in position at certain periods; meanswhereby when said first set of traps are unlocked, the lockingnot meansfor said second set of traps are ope ated. to lock same, and when saidfirst set of traps return to normal position the lockingmeans for saidsecond set of traps are operated to lock same, and when said first setof traps retorn to normal position the locking means for said second setof traps are operated to unlock same; means controlled by said secondset of traps whereby when saline open, Water is introduced into thereceptacle, and when said second set oi traps close, the supply of Wateris cut oil; counter-balaneing means whereby the leaves of said sets oftraps are returned to normal position after dumping, and means held insaid receptacle between said sets of traps whereby the material ismixed.

1 An apparatus of the class described, comprising a suitable receptacle;a first set of traps comprising a plurality of leaves swung therein andcontrolling passage ol material thercthrouph; means for coupling saidleaves alternately together in pairs; means connected with thecoupling-means for said leaves Wl'iereby same are locked in position atcertain oeriods, a second set of traps below said first set of trapscomprising a plurality of leaves swung; in said receptacle and havinp anangle of opening dillerent to the angle ol opening of the leaves in saidfirst set of tra )S and controlling passage Oi material thcret rough;mear'islor coupling said leaves alternately together in pairs; meansconnected with the coupling-means for said leaves whereby same arelocked in position at certain periods, and means whereby when said firstset of traps are unlocked, the locking-means for said second set oftraps are operated'to lock same, and when said first set of traps returnto normal position, the locking-means for said second set of traps isoperated to unlock same. i

13 An apparatusof the class described, comprising a suitable receptacle;as first set of traps con'iprising a plurality of leaves swung thereinand contro ling passage of material tlierethrough; means for couplingsaid leaves alternately together in pairs; means connected with thecoupling-means fori'said leaves wherebysame are locked in positioncertain periods; a second set of traps below said first set oi trapscomprising a plurality of leaves swung in said receptacle and having anangle of opening dillerent to the angle of opening of the leaves in saidi'irst set of traps and controlling passage of material therethroughmeans for coupling said leaves alternately together in pairs; meansconnected with the coupling-means for said leaves whereby same arelocked in position at certain periods; means whereby when said first setof traps are unlocked, the locking-means for said second set of trapsare operated to lock same, and when said first set of traps return tonormal position, the locksenses second set of traps 7o swung therein andcontro ling passa e o'f material therethrough means for coupling saidleaves alternately together in pairs; means connected wlththecouplinganeans for said leaves vhereby same are locked in position atcertain periods aseeond set of traps beso low said first set of trapscomprising a pinrality of leaves swung in said receptacle and having anangle of opening different to the angle of opening of the leaves in saidfirst set of traps and controlling passage of material 35 therethroughmeans for coupling said leaves alternately together in pairs; meansc0nnocted 'vrith the coupling-means for said; leaves whereby same arelocked in position at certain periods means Wliereby when gr said firstset of traps are unlocked, the lockinganeans for said second set oftraps are operated to loci; same, and when said first set of trapsreturn to normal position, the'lockingmeans for said second ated tounlock same means controlled by said second set of traps whereby whensome open, Water is introduced into the receptacle, and when said secondset of traps close, the su be aiming means wherebv the leaves of saidsets of traps are returned to normal positioi'i after dumping.

15. An apparatus of the class described,

comprising a suitable receptacle; a first set of traps comprising aplurality of leaves swung therein and controlling passage of materialtherethrough; means for coupling said leaves alternately together inpairs; means conset 01 traps are oper- 9 ply of water is cut oil", andcountsrlot} nected with th coupling-means for said 11 leaves wherebysame are locked in position at certain periods; a second set o1 traps below said first set of traps comprising a plurality of leaves swung insaid. receptacle and having an angle of opening different to them-5angle of opening of the leaves in said first set of traps andcontrolling passage of material therethrough; means for coupling saidleaves alternately together in pairs; means con nected with thecouplii'ig-nieansfor said leaves whereby same are locked in position atcertain periods; means whereby when said first set of traps areunlocked, the lockingmeans for said second set oi. traps are operated tolock same, and when said first set of traps return to normal position,the locking-means for said second setof traps are operated to unlocksame means controlled by said second set of traps whereby when someopen, water is introduced into the re- 13o assess 'ceptacle, and whensaid second set of traps close, the supply of water is cut oil;counterbalancmg means whereby the leaves at said sets of traps arereturnedto normal position comprising in combination. a suitablereceptacle; a trap comprising a plurality of leaves swung therein andcontrolling passage of material thcrethrough; mechanism connecting saidlcavcs adapted to control same, in operative relation; a locking-armconnected to said receptacle; a stop adapted to co-act with saidloclringmrm, whereby to hold said trap closed; a weighted arm con nectcdto said receptacle; means to operate said Weighted arm.

1?. An apparatus of the class described comprising in combination asuitable receptacle; a trap comprising a plurality of leaves swungtherein and controlling passage of material therethrough; arms connectedto said leaves; a link adapted to connect a pair o'l said leavestogether; a. locking-arm pivotallv connected to said receptacle; a stopongaging said link and said locking arm to hold said trap closed meansadapted to positively opt-irate said locking means; and means adapted tounlock same; said latter means comprising a pivoted weighted arm andmeans adapted to cause same to disengage said locking arm and said stop.

18. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a suitablereceptacle; aiirst trap therein controlling passage of materialthcrcthrough: a second trap therein also controlling passage of materialthrough said receptacle and below said first trap and having an angle ofopening dillcrcnt to the angle of opening of said first trap; meansconnecting said traps whereby when said lirst trap opens, said secondtrap .is locked in its closed position, and when said first trap returns'n nor mal position, said second trap is unlocked; means controlledby'said second trap ivhcre by whcn same opens, water is introduced intothe receptacle, and when said second trap closes, the supply of water iscut oil; a third trap therein also controlling passage oi materialthrough said receptacle and below said second trap and having an angleof opening dill'cren t to the anglc ol opening ol said second trap, andmeans connccting said second and third traps whereby when said secondtrap loclicd.

ll). An apparatus of thc class described,

comprising a suitable rcccptacilc; a lirst set of traps comprising aplurality o'l' leaves swung thcrcin and coiurolhng passage ol materialthcrothroiigh: incansd'or coupling said leaves alternately together inpairs; means connected with the coupling-means for said leaves wherebysame are locked in position at certain periods; a second set of t re )Slieloi said first set of traps comprising a plurality oi leaves swung insaid receptacle and having an angle of opening diliercntto the angle ofopening of the leaves in said 'iirst set of traps and controllingpassage of material therethrough; means for coupling said leavesalternately together in pairs; means connected with the conplingmeansfor said leaves whereby same are locked in position at certain )eriodmeans whereby when said first set of traps are unlocked, thelocking-means for said second set of tra are operated to lock same, andwhen said first set of return to normal position, the locking-means forsaid second of traps are operated to unlock same; a third of traps belowsaid second set of traps comprising a plurality of leaves swung in saidreceptacle and having an angleof opening dili'er ent tothe angle atopening of the leaves in said second set of traps and controlling pasofmaterial thercthrough; means for coupling said leaves alternatelytogether in pairs; means connected with the couplingmeans -lor saidleaves whereby same are locked in position at certain periods, and 9means whereby when said second set of traps are unlocked, thelocking-means tor said third set of traps are operated to lock same,

and when said second set of traps roturnto normal position thelocking-means for said third set of traps is operated to unlock same.

20. The combination in an apparatus of the class described ot 'areceptacle; a trap located therein, comprising a plurality of leavessnnmg therein; coupling means connecting alternate leaves oi said trapin pairs; and means coupling a plurality of pairs of coupled leaves insaid traps.

21; The combination with a receptacle and a set of counlerbalancrultraps comprising a plurality of leaves swung thcrcin and controllingpassage of material thcrethrongh, of lovers secured to said traps and onthe outside of said receptacle; link-rods connecting said leverstogether in pairs so as to alternately couple said leaves; leverssecured to the ontcr leaves; a. link-rod connecting said levers togetherand provided with a stop; a wcightcdnrm pivoted to the side ofsaidrcccptaclc; a locking-arm pivoted to said '1 weighted-arm, and a springsecured to said opens, said third trap is loclqcd in its closedposition, and when said second trap returns 1 to normal position, saidthird trap is un- 5 leaves to open.

2'3. The combination with a receptacle and a set of clninterbalanccdtraps comprising a said l plurality of leaves swung therein andcontrolling passage of .n'iaterial. thercthrouglnof levers secured totraps on the outside of said receptacle; link-rodsconnecting together inpairs so to alternately couple said leaves; levers secured to theoutcrleaves; linlcrod connecting said levers together and provided witha sto a weighted-arm pivoted to the side of sai receptacle; alocking-arm pivoted to said vieightccl-nrm; a spring secured to saidWeight/edema and'giviug positive movement to said locking-arm which isdesigned to abut against said stop so to lock said leaves in the closedposition and by the movement of said a ighted-arm being moved out ofengagemcnt with said stop so as to permit said leaves to "open, andguard-plates securedon the inside of said receptacle above the sides ofsaid leaves.

23. The combination With a receptacle and a set of counterbalanced trapscomprising a plurality of leaves swung therein and controlling passageof material therethrough, of lovers secured to said traps and on theoutside of said receptacle; link-rods connecting said levers together inpairs so to alternately couple said lcavesp-levers secured to the outerleaves; a link-rod connccting' said lovers together and. provided with astop; wcightcdnrm pivoted to the side ol said receptacle; :1 locking-armpivoted to said weighterharm; a spring secured to said weighted-arm andgiving positive movement to said lOClilIlj-ilTi11 which is designed toabut against said stop so as to lock said ieaves in the closed positionand by the movement of said weighted arm being moved out of engagementwith said stop so as to permit said leaves to open; guardplates securedon the inside of said receptacle above the sin of said leaves; flexibleaprons secured to guard-plates and rest ing upon said. leaves, andflexible aprons secured to said. receptacle and on the inside thereofand overhanging the ends of the leaves adjacent the sides of saidreceptacle.

2%. An runmratus for mixing composite materials comp; sing incombination a stationary supporting structure; a top trap and aplurality of lower traps substantially vertic/all situated, securedagainst bodily movement, operable therein; a stationary receptacle ahoveand connected. to each trap, means to start the top trap in operation;trap locking and unlocking mechanism connecting said traps one withanother whereby the weight of material passing through the DJPPQILL'CUScauses said lower traps to operate successively to retain and dumpmaterial.

25. An apparatus of the class described comprising in coinhinatiiiui astationary receptacle and a trap comprising an outer pair a and (Z andan inner pair l) and c of down Ward swinging pivoted leaves, the innerpair of leaves I) and 0 being adapted When open to extend downwardly andoutwardly and the outer pair of leaves a and r1 to extend downwardly andinwardly.

.26. An apparatus of the class dcscrihed, comprising a receptacleprovided with a plurality of sets of traps comprising a plucomprising aplurality of superimposed downwardly opening traps, held a fixeddistance apart, a stationary receptacle above and connected. to eachtrap; independent means for closing each trap; means depend cut on anupper trap for securing a lower trap in a closed position, andpermitting the opening of a lower trap.

An apparatus of the class described,

comprisingg a plurality of superimposed drm'nwardly opening traps, holda fixed distancc apart; stationary receptacle shove and connected toeach trap; consecutive traps opening crosswise to one another, and meansfor controlling the operation of said traps.

29. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a plurality ofsuperimposed d ownwardly opening traps, held a fixed distance apart; astationaryreceptacle above and conncctod to each trap, said trapscomprising a plurality of pivoted downwardly opening leaves, the leavesof a trap opening crosswise to the leaves of a consecutive trap andmeans controlling the operation of saio traps.

30. an apparatus of the class described, comprising a plurality ofsubstantially vertically supcrim posed traps; a rigid non-movingreceptacle above and connected to each trap, each trap being normallyclosed; means automaticallylocking a lower trap closed when a trapimmediately above is open, and means for closing an upper trap andthereby releasing a lower trap so that same may 0 )en. 31. An apparatusof the class descrilied, comprising a plurality of suhstantia lyvertically superimposed traps a rigid nonmoving receptacle above andconnected to each trap; means io'r securing a lower trap closed operatedby the opening of a trap immediately ahove, and means for closing anupper trap indepcmlcnt of a lower trap.

32. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a plurality ofsubstantially vertically superimposed down-opening traps means fordampening material in a receptacle.

having pivoted leaves; a stationary receptacle above and connected toeach trap, adapted to receive and hold material when piled high therein,means mechanically controlling the operation of said traps, and

$53. An apparatus of the class described. comprising a plurality ofsubstantially vertical y superimposed tra is, each trap having incombination a plurality of leaves, links and arms connecting said leavesto operate same in unison; a rigid receptacle connected to each trap; alink connecting the leaves of an upper trap to a weighted arm pivoted toa receptacle; apivoted arm operated by said weighted arm to engage anddisengage a stop on a link connected to the leaves of a lower trap.

34. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a rigid receptaclethrough which niateriai passes by gravity; a trap connected to saidreceptacle; means locking and unlocking said trap to prevent and permitmovement of same, said means comprising a stop combined with mechanismconnected to said tra a weighted arm pivoted to said receptac e; an armengaging said stop, and means for striking said stop-engaging arm withsaid weighted arm.

35. An apparatus of the class described, com )rising a plurality ofsubstantially vcrtically su erimposed non-moving chambers into \vliic 1material falls by gravity and are mixed therein; traps to arrest thepassage of material between said chambers, each trap having a pluralityof laterally situated substantially parallel discharge openingsconstructed crosswise to that of a consecutive trap and meanscontrolling the operation of said traps.

Ap apparatus of the class described,

comprising in combination a stationary receptacle; a trap and mixingmeans; said trap comprising a plurality of pivoted down ant oppositelyopening leaves adapted to l form a discharge spout when open; means lconnecting said leaves adapted to positively cause said leaves to openand close iii-unison and whereby said leaves become inoperative if oneof said leaves should becomevblocked; means adapted to lock said trapclosed; means adapted to unlock and permit said traps to open;gravity-operated means adapt ed to close said leaves automatically andpositively in unison, and means connected with said trap adapted tooperate a fluid controL ling means discharging below said leaves on theopening of said tra 37. An apparatus or the class comprising incombination a stationai ceptacle, a trap and mixing means; said trap l li l i aa comprising a plurality of pivoted down and opppsitely openingleaves adapted to form discharge spout when open; means connecting saidleaves adapted, to positively cause said leaves to open and close inunison and whereby said leaves become inoperative if one of said leavesshould become blocked; means adapted to lock said trap closed; meansadapted to unlock and permit said traps to open; gravity-operated meansadapted to close said leaves automatically and positively in unison; anarm adapted to undergo an oscillating movement on the operation of saidleaves; a link adapted to be reciprocated 'y by said arm; a leveroperated by said link adapted to open and c ose a fluid va-iv'e on y theopening and res )ectively.

la testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN FREDERICK DOUGLAS WI'lllROW. l Witnesses; EDMUND F. BURRITT,

l ILMA MEWBY.

, .t is

closing of said trap leaves

